By Shannon Traphagen Families looking to stay busy or get away on the weekends this summer often look for activities that appeal to the whole family while getting everyone out of the house. According to the U.S. Travel Association, nearly three out of four domestic trips are

By Shannon Traphagen Summer camp is a beloved tradition in many families as parents fondly recall spending their summers at camp, making lifelong friends and learning the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races. There are a variety of summer camps, each offering

By Shannon Traphagen Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is marked by leaders, citizens, organizations, and even bicycling companies, who want to help fight climate change. Our planet is currently under siege from carbon emissions and losing over 15 billion trees each year due to deforestation, land

by Shannon Traphagen Laughter Yoga is a new take on an ancient form of exercise. First emerging in 1997 in India by physician Dr. Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga combines yogic breathing techniques with unconditional laughter and creative exercise. Practitioners do not have to master any of the

By Shannon Traphagen Data from a 2016 behavioral risk factor surveillance survey along with the 2017 report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s National Program of Cancer Registries shows that in Erie County, more than 39,000 people were diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) last

By Shannon Traphagen “Life presents us with a variety of challenges, emotional and physical that impact the brain-body connection. It’s all interconnected.” Dr. Kathy Calabrese, a licensed family and marriage therapist, received her PH.D. from the University at Buffalo before becoming certified in neurofeedback therapy from the

By Shannon Traphagen Organic food sales are setting records as more mainstream Americans fill their shopping carts with everything from farm fresh eggs to grass fed meats, and one local company is making it both convenient and affordable. Fresh Fix, located in Buffalo, offers the highest quality

By Shannon Traphagen Junior Seau, L’Wren Scott, Robin Williams, and just this week Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade–what do these individuals have in common? Unfortunately, they all took their own lives due to mental health struggles. Kate Spade, fashion designer icon, and billionaire had been battling with

by Shannon Traphagen Life gets busy, and when it does, demands pile up, work hours increase, and family schedules and obligations take a toll. This is often when time for fun gets pushed aside, causing a strain in our relationships. However, according to the American Psychological Association,